Pentecostal World Fellowship

Pentecostal World Fellowship is a global fellowship of Pentecostal churches and denominations, founded in 1947 in Stockholm, Sweden, by leaders such as Donald Gee and David du Plessis. The organization aims to promote unity and cooperation among Pentecostal churches worldwide, and has been associated with notable figures like T.L. Osborn, Oral Roberts, and Reinhard Bonnke. The fellowship has its roots in the Azusa Street Revival and the subsequent growth of the Pentecostal movement, which was influenced by Charles Parham and William Seymour. The organization is also connected to other Christian groups, such as the World Council of Churches and the Lausanne Movement, founded by John Stott and Billy Graham.

● History

The history of the Pentecostal World Fellowship is closely tied to the development of the Pentecostal movement, which emerged in the early 20th century through the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, led by William Seymour, and the Welsh Revival in Wales, led by Evan Roberts. The fellowship was formally established in 1947 in Stockholm, Sweden, with the help of leaders like Donald Gee and David du Plessis, who were influenced by the teachings of Kathryn Kuhlman and Aimee Semple McPherson. The organization has since grown to include member churches from over 150 countries, including United States, Brazil, Nigeria, India, and South Korea, and has been involved in various international events, such as the World Pentecostal Conference and the Lausanne Congress, which was attended by Pope John Paul II and Desmond Tutu. The fellowship has also been associated with notable Pentecostal denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of God in Christ, and the Foursquare Church, founded by Aimee Semple McPherson.

● Organization

The Pentecostal World Fellowship is governed by a council of leaders, which includes representatives from various Pentecostal denominations and churches, such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of God in Christ, and the Foursquare Church. The organization is led by a chairman, who is elected by the council, and has been held by notable figures like Thomas Zimmerman and Prince Guneratnam. The fellowship also has a number of committees and task forces, which focus on issues such as evangelism, missions, and social justice, and has been involved in partnerships with other Christian organizations, such as the World Evangelical Alliance, founded by John Stott and Billy Graham, and the Lausanne Movement. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and has regional offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including Nairobi, Seoul, London, and São Paulo.

● Membership

The Pentecostal World Fellowship has member churches from over 150 countries, including United States, Brazil, Nigeria, India, and South Korea. The organization includes a diverse range of Pentecostal denominations and churches, such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of God in Christ, and the Foursquare Church, founded by Aimee Semple McPherson. The fellowship also has associate members, which include organizations and individuals who support the work of the fellowship, such as Youth With A Mission, founded by Loren Cunningham, and Samaritan's Purse, founded by Franklin Graham. The organization has been associated with notable Pentecostal leaders, such as T.L. Osborn, Oral Roberts, and Reinhard Bonnke, and has been involved in various international events, such as the World Pentecostal Conference and the Lausanne Congress.

● Beliefs

The Pentecostal World Fellowship is based on a set of core beliefs, which include the authority of the Bible, the importance of baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the need for evangelism and missions. The organization affirms the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, and recognizes the importance of Christian unity and cooperation, as emphasized by John 17 and Ephesians 4. The fellowship also emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and healing, and has been influenced by the teachings of Kathryn Kuhlman and Aimee Semple McPherson. The organization has been associated with notable Pentecostal theologians, such as J. Rodman Williams and Vincent Synan, and has been involved in various theological discussions, such as the Pentecostal-Charismatic Dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.

● Activities

The Pentecostal World Fellowship is involved in a range of activities, including evangelism, missions, and social justice. The organization supports the work of Pentecostal churches and denominations around the world, and provides resources and training for church leaders and missionaries. The fellowship also hosts international conferences and events, such as the World Pentecostal Conference and the Lausanne Congress, which bring together Pentecostal leaders and churches from around the world, including Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes, and Benny Hinn. The organization has been involved in various partnerships with other Christian organizations, such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement, and has been associated with notable Pentecostal organizations, such as Youth With A Mission and Samaritan's Purse.

● International Conferences

The Pentecostal World Fellowship hosts international conferences and events, which bring together Pentecostal leaders and churches from around the world. The organization has hosted conferences in various locations, including Stockholm, Sweden, London, United Kingdom, and Seoul, South Korea. The conferences feature speakers and leaders from around the world, including Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes, and Benny Hinn, and provide opportunities for fellowship, worship, and training. The organization has also been involved in various international events, such as the Lausanne Congress and the World Council of Churches assembly, which was attended by Pope John Paul II and Desmond Tutu. The fellowship has been associated with notable Pentecostal conferences, such as the Azusa Street Centennial and the Pentecostal World Conference, and has been involved in partnerships with other Christian organizations, such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.